Entry # 4

A time that I was discriminated against was in middle school, I was basically told I couldn't play football because I was a girl. The coach said I could be on the team but he wouldnt gurantee me any playing time. I would get more playing time playing volleyball. I understand the reasoning, but it still wasn't fair, it happened to another girl too. Another time I was discriminated against was in high school, because I was on the sports teams, or even because I was an art student. I was treated differently in certain classes, and by other students. This somewhat relates to the Asian American students in chapter 4 of AAS. Some students are reluctant to be who they are or act how they normally would when they are in an uncomfortable situation. In addition to this students tend to become what they are thought of, or different so they can fit in. I think when certain students thought I was a "jock" it made me feel like thats all they thought of me. Or when students said oh you're in art, it made and still makes me feel like they think it's a joke, or not as important. As for how I handled these moments, I either let it go in one ear and out the other, or let it go. And sometimes it did bother me a lot, but I tried not to show it. I did notice there were times I changed my opinion and actions, to avoid being judged further. It just depended on the situation.

Sadly I have discriminated against people, once I have thought someone who was handicap wasn't capable of the same thought process or activities as I was. Therefore I unknowingly treated them as a child. I felt horrible, as if I belittled them and insulted their intelligence. I have also discriminated against other cultures in my home town. I'm not proud of it, but they were stereotypes. Some were true and that is what I based my judgements on. This still wasn't right of me. I should have put myself in their shoes. It could be both ways though.

I think it's important to be aware of students opinions and judgments. Understand their feelings and be willing to keep the cultures, differences, and multiple other characteristics of students open and at a level of respect and understanding. I think it's important to educate and inform students about differences to help them become well rounded and socially respectful. I think it's important to stop stereotypes and negative talk in the classroom as well as put a stop to it anytime I hear it, in the halls, etc.